What to do if you like the Rolex Submariner and GMT-Master models but you wouldn’t want to be caught dead with a Rolex? You look for alternatives ofcourse! Besides the ‘usual’ alternatives like the Omega Seamaster Professional or even the cheaper MarcelloC rip-offs, what about spending some extra bucks (or whatever currency you have) and buy something more exclusive?
As an alternative to the Submariner or Sea-Dweller diving watch, take a look at this Blancpain Fifty Fathoms! Besides their rather classic looking watches, Blancpain also features this sporty diver in their collection. This large (45mm) watch is waterresistant to depths of 300 meters, features an inhouse mechanical self-winding movement (caliber 1315) with a power reserve of 120 hours.
Picture by rrueger.ch, a great website about dive watches.
As an alternative to the Rolex GMT-Master 16710, or the new one, 116710 (116713 for the steel/gold model), take a look at this Chopard Pro One GMT watch. The only con on this watch is that the GMT hour hand cannot be set independently. This watch is 42mm in diameter, waterresistant to depths of 300 meters, an inhouse mechanical self/winding movement (Calibre L.U.C 4.96 “Pro One”) with a power reserve of 65 hours.
I like both watches and both brands. Although both brands tend to be a bit more on the classic side of watches, these sporty models are good competitors to the Rolex models mentioned. The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is probably just as long around the corner as the Rolex Submariner (c1953), which you probably already noticed by the classic look of the BP.
Both alternatives are slightly larger in size than the Rolex models, but everything above 40mm in diameter size aren’t outcasts anymore. I think the big watches will be around for some longer, although some predict that watches will become smaller again. However, 45mm looks better on my wrist than 35mm, and I assume that this will be always the case! Now or in ten years from now 
I am not aware of the exact prices on these models, but I suggest you ask your nearest BP or Chopard authorized dealer or do the math yourself by clicking www.chrono24.com.
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Two very sharp looking pieces!
Glashütte Original also has a very nice alternative called “Sport Evolution”. Available with panoramadatum, as GMT or chronograph.
As always, nice article Robert. Love that Blancpain.
The blancpain is more than a rolex.. maybe can be considered as a Audemars piguet alternative..